The Body Solid E300 Endurance elliptical trainer has been around for several years, but it still continues to benefit from positive reviews from users all over the U.S. to this day, simply because it’s a well-built fitness machine. It doesn’t include features such as incline, online connectivity or amenities such as sound system or cooling fan, but on the other hand, it offers quite a unique center-drive design, which offers a very natural riding feel.

Frame construction

The Body Solid E300 elliptical trainer features quite a heavy construction; its assembled weight is approx. 232 lbs (105.2 kg), which means that it’s made from thick steel tubing. Due to this fact, it is recommended that the machine is assembled by two people. However, on the other hand, all this weight adds a lot of stability to the machine. You can be sure that it won’t wobble or rock even if you engage in the most demanding workouts.

Once it’s assembled, the machine’s transport and relocation are not difficult. Its front base integrates a set of wheels while the rear is equipped with two handles. Therefore, you can easily lift it by these handles and lean it forward onto its wheel in order to change its location.

As opposed to other elliptical machines, such as the Schwinn MY17 470 for example, the E300 Endurance elliptical from Body-Solid doesn’t have a large footprint due to its specific, dual-drive construction. When not in use, its footprint is approx. 50″L x 31″W (127 x 79 cm). However, keep in mind that the arms of the machine will extend forward when you exercise, while the pedals exceed the rear base by a few inches as well. Therefore, it’s best to allocate at least 75″ x 50″ (190 x 127 cm) of workout space for this machine, in order to avoid any hindrance.

As we’ve mentioned above, most parts in the machine’s frame construction are steel made. All the steel parts are coated with a silver, corrosion resistant paint. The very few plastic parts in the machine’s frame are the lateral covers of the pulleys and the joint covers of its arms. These have a protective and cosmetic role and do not reduce the machine’s overall sturdiness.

Drive system

The Body-Solid E300 elliptical trainer features a pretty unique design, which revolves around its drive system. As opposed to other elliptical trainers with a rear drive, such as the Sunny ASUNA 4300, or machines with a front drive such as the AFG Sport 5.7AE, the E300 has a center drive. This type of drive comes with a series of benefits. To begin with, its elliptical path is anatomically correct, and due to this fact, the pedaling motion generates a very natural running/walking feel. An elliptical with a rear or front drive may have too much vertical movement, which results in a down-hill or up-hill feel.

The transmission between the main pulley of the machine and the magnetic flywheel is done by a heavy-duty belt. This means that the use of the machine generates very little noise; also, the belt doesn’t require any lubrication.

The Body Solid E300 Endurance elliptical trainer is equipped with a set of large pedals, which can accommodate feet of all sizes. They’re made of highly durable PVC material, and along with their sustaining steel elements, they can support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Their surface features small lugs to provide superior adherence.

The machine offers a stride of 21″ (53.3 cm), which is non-adjustable. This means it can accommodate comfortably users up to 6’3″ (190 cm). Taller users may not benefit from a complete range of motion, but still, they should be able to use the machine with no problem. Also, the highest point that the pedals can reach is approx. 16″ (40.6 cm) above floor level.

The pedals glide on large roller wheels which add smoothness to the ride. They feature a narrow Q-Factor which leads to a correct positioning of the feet; due to this fact, a ride on this machine doesn’t result in any lateral stress on the knees or hips.

The machine’s flywheel has most of its weight built-in its perimeter. This means it generates a steady and continuous motion. It’s not extremely heavy, but nonetheless, it is heavy enough to deliver a consistent momentum.

Last but not least, the E300 Endurance elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars, mobile and fixed. The joints of the mobile arms integrate heavy-duty ball bearings for a smooth motion and a prolonged lifespan. The fixed handlebars integrate EKG sensors so that the console can monitor your heart rate if you hold onto them. Both sets of handlebars feature high-density foam grips for maximum comfort.

Resistance system

The Body Solid E300 Endurance elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system, which consists of a magnetic flywheel and a small servo motor. This being said, the machine requires being connected to a power circuit in order to deliver any resistance.

The resistance mechanism is fairly simple. As you select a certain level from the console, the servo motor will adjust the magnets’ pull and the flywheel will generate more or less drag.

The machine offers 20 resistance settings. The first three settings deliver a very light pedaling motion, while the 18-20 settings offer the possibility to perform high-intensity workouts. Also, the resistance can be adjusted “manually” from the console via the +/- digits; however, if you use one of the pre-set workout programs, the machine will auto-adjust its resistance depending on the workout segment.

Control unit

The console supplied with the E300 elliptical trainer is an LED-based one. It features two displays. The top, smaller one indicates time, distance, speed, strides/min, calories, calories/hour, pulse, and the selected resistance level. The large display (or the “Profile Window”) shows the program profile, the resistance bar, the heart rate bar, the lap progress and lap counter.

The console can measure distance in miles and kilometers and can calculate speed in both MPH and km/h. It can only track your pulse via the EKG sensors incorporated into the fixed handlebars; it does not work with wireless HR chest strap transmitters.

Interval Speed Training simulates interval training with more extreme levels of high and low intensity.

Random – as it name suggests, this program will generate a random profile setting every time is selected to keep your workouts fresh and motivating.

The console has two user profiles, great function if two people use the machine or if you want to save two custom workout types. The unit also offers the possibility to input personal data, such as weight and age, thus being able to calculate the level of calories burned with more accuracy.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s assembly is not the easiest, but the included manual does provide clear and concise step-by-step instructions. You will basically have to connect the console post and the rear part with the pulleys and pedals to the front part of the frame, add the arm joints and the arms, the fixed handlebars, the console and the bottle holder. The whole task may take up to two hours. Tools are included.

For maintenance, it is recommended to periodically check for loose parts. Also, the moving parts and joints may require lubrication if they develop squeaks, and for that multi-purpose lubricant is recommended.

The Pros

Sturdy construction, integrating highly durable steel tubing;

Adjustable levelers;

Transport wheels and rear handles;

300 lbs weight limit;

Center drive design, with a low center of gravity providing high stability;

Anatomically correct elliptical path, promoting a natural stride;

Small footprint;

EKG pulse sensors;

Quiet operation, ideal for apartment use;

Easy-to-use console with straightforward controls;

20 levels of eddy current resistance;

6 pre-set workouts;

2 user profiles;

Bottle holder included;

Little maintenance required;

Excellent warranty plan.

The Cons

No incline;

No sound system;

No cooling fan;

No tablet holder;

No online connectivity.

Summary

The Body Solid E300 Endurance is a center drive elliptical trainer with an extremely durable and stable construction. It offers 20 levels of motorized magnetic resistance, and 6 pre-set workouts on the console, along with the manual program. Although it doesn’t have a wide array of amenities, such as sound system, cooling fan or online connectivity, it’s still a decent elliptical machine due to its anatomically correct elliptical path. It’s great for light cardio workouts or recovery training, but also offers the possibility to undertake high-intensity interval workouts, for a high cardio output and weight loss.